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SEATTLE -- A since-fired Seattle youth pastor accused of sending sexually explicit messages to a teen parishioner has been charged with a sex crime.

King County prosecutors contend Matthew C. Davis - identified in court documents as a former volunteer youth pastor at Grace Church of Seattle - was caught sending sexual messages to a 15-year-old girl.

A supervisor at the church went to police immediately after learning of the allegations against Davis, resulting in the 26-year-old's arrest. Davis was also fired from his volunteer position.

According to charging documents, Davis began sending romantic email to the girl early in 2012 and ultimately offered to leave his wife to start a new life with the girl. He is alleged to have said he would quit his job at Boeing and follow her to college.

Writing the court, King County Detective Chris Knudsen said Davis's messages had turned sexual by May, when Davis's wife discovered them. Davis then confessed the "inappropriate relationship" to his church supervisor, the detective continued, who went to police.

Interviewed by police, the girl said she and Davis exchanged sexually explicit messages. The most recent exchange left her feeling uncomfortable and "bothered by the relationship," Knudsen said in charging documents.

Arrested during a search of his Burien home on May 8, Davis said he sent the messages, the detective continued.

"He admitted that they talked about running away together once she turned 18," Knudsen told the court. "Davis said that he had genuine feelings for (her), but now realized those feelings were wrong."

Knudsen noted investigators messages recovered messages from Davis to the girl, as well as messages he sent to his wife admitting to his offenses.

According to charging documents, Davis also confided in a state trooper he knew personally. The trooper reported that Davis contacted him and admitted he planned to run away with the girl once she was 18.

Charged late last month with communication with a minor for immoral purposes, Davis has not been jailed in the case. He has not yet entered a plea.